Fiber Cores

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Corrections issued a Request for Bid (RFB 758 2200000332) on December 10, 2021, for the procurement of polyester fiber cores used in mattress production at the Little Sandy Correctional Complex. The solicitation seeks two specific line items: 2,900 units of 25x75x5 fiber cores and 2,750 units of 25x80x5 fiber cores, both specified as Cumuplush 12.5 osf polyester cores with defined specifications including loft tolerance of 1/4", weight tolerance of 5%, and dimensions within 1/2". Vendors must submit written questions by December 17, 2021, at 10:00 AM ET, with bids due electronically through the Commonwealth's eProcurement system by December 27, 2021, at 1:30 PM ET. All bids must remain valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days after the bid due date. Delivery is required Monday through Friday between 7:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty, with quotations submitted as F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed. The evaluation methodology allocates 90 points to price and 10 points to delivery time, with the lowest-priced bidder receiving maximum points. No substitutions of fiber cores are permitted, as the specified product has been burn tested and verified as compatible with existing machinery. The contract will be awarded on a best value basis to a single vendor for an initial one-year term with options for four additional one-year renewal periods, subject to written approval and potential renegotiation.

The solicitation provides preferential considerations for certain bidders: Kentucky resident bidders receive reciprocal preference against nonresident bidders registered in states providing preference to their own residents, and qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries receive preferences of 20 percent and 15 percent of maximum points respectively. All vendors must be registered in the Vendor Self Service System at least 24 to 48 hours prior to submission and must comply with the Commonwealth's Annual Affidavit requirements, certifying compliance with Kentucky campaign finance laws, tax registration requirements, and state tax obligations. Price increases are prohibited during the first 12 months of the contract and thereafter require written justification based on industry-wide price changes. Vendors are responsible for all delivery obligations, with one percent per day deducted from invoices for each day delivery deadlines are missed. The solicitation documents do not specify an overall budget range or award value; pricing will be determined through the competitive bid process. For additional information, interested vendors should contact Kyle Collins at 502-564-6521.